NFL: Rodgers pair connects for Green Bay win

DETROIT — Aaron Rodgers threw a 61-yard touchdown pass to Richard Rodgers with no time left to give the Green Bay Packers a 27-23 victory over the Detroit Lions on Thursday night.

The Packers got the untimed down after Detroit defensive end Devin Taylor was called for grabbing Aaron Rodgers’ facemask on a tackle on what would’ve been the last play.

The Packers (8-4) had lost four of five. The Lions (4-8) had won three straight and blew a chance to sweep the season series for the first time since 1991.

Matthew Stafford connected with Calvin Johnson on his second touchdown pass of the first quarter to help Detroit build a 20-point lead that it couldn’t keep.

Green Bay center Corey Linsley left the game with an ankle injury. He walked off with some assistance in the second quarter. He was listed as questionable going into the game with an ankle injury.

NOTES

BROWNS: Coach Mike Pettine said he has had “blunt” conversations with owner Jimmy Haslam and remains committed to fixing his team.

Pettine’s future in Cleveland is uncertain as his second year has dissolved into another losing season. The Browns have lost six straight games and are coming off a heartbreaking 33-27 loss to Baltimore on Monday night.

Pettine has a 9-18 record, but it includes a 2-14 mark over the past 16 games.

He understands the “bottom line business” of the NFL and says “where we are isn’t good enough.” Pettine said he has not spoken with Haslam about what he needs to do to keep his job, but “that could potentially come up between the two of us.”

Haslam vowed before the season to not “blow it up.” However, with his team likely headed for double-digit losses his plan may have changed.

JETS: Cornerback Darrelle Revis sat out practice again and it appears unlikely that he will play against the Giants on Sunday.

Revis suffered a concussion at Houston on Nov. 22 and has not practiced, played or even attended meetings since. That had Coach Todd Bowles hardly optimistic that Revis could potentially play with just one day of practice.

“I don’t think so,” Bowles said Thursday. “He didn’t do anything today, so it’s more likely that he won’t play.”

Since being hurt, Revis has come to the team’s facility for treatment every day and then been sent home. Bowles said Revis did “light exercises” on Thursday, but it doesn’t appear he is close to practicing.

This would be the second straight game Revis would miss, but Bowles isn’t concerned that this could be a long-term situation.

“It’s just a matter of when he heals,” he said.

Marcus Williams, Revis’ backup, is also uncertain with a sprained knee. He didn’t practice for the second straight day, and Bowles says Williams will be a game-time decision.

“It’s going to be real close,” Bowles said.

BILLS: Defensive end Mario Williams is expected to play against Houston, his former team, on Sunday after testing his injured foot in practice for a second straight day.

Coach Rex Ryan said Mario Williams might not be 100 percent, but should play after the team’s top pass-rushing threat missed last week’s game at Kansas City.

Backup running back Karlos Williams’ status is uncertain after missing his second practice with an injured left shoulder.

DOLPHINS: Center Mike Pouncey returned to practice after leaving last week’s game with a right foot injury. It’s still uncertain whether he’ll play Sunday against Baltimore.

Receiver Rishard Matthews (ribs) missed practice for the second day in a row, and receiver Kenny Stills (ankle) was limited.

RAMS: Case Keenum has not been cleared to play as he recovers from a concussion and Nick Foles will start at quarterback for the second straight week.

Coach Jeff Fisher said that if Keenum is cleared on Friday, he would be the backup against the NFC West-leading Cardinals on Sunday.

STEELERS: Rookie tight end Jesse James could be in line for his first career start on Sunday against Indianapolis.

Veteran Heath Miller missed his second straight practice on Thursday with a rib injury and Matt Spaeth was limited while dealing with a knee issue.

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